Mark Chitwood Photography

Christmas is way better with a three year old. This is my granddaughter - she was kind enough to pose for me this Christmas.

I posted this picture on Facebook and have had a lot of folks ask about it. So here is the specs on it.

Nikon d7000
Nikon 50 1.4
Shutter speed was at 1/25
ISO 400
Auto White Balance.

This is a pretty simple shoot if you know what you have - you need a fast lens that will allow you to shoot inside with available light. Ask you subject hold still by telling her that Santa is coming to town.

I do love my 50mm 1.4. Saving some cash for 24 and 85 1.4.

Shooting Christmas lights can be fun and after a while - kind of boring. So I decided instead of the typical Christmas light shot done with a tripod and long exposure...that I would just play.

Taking my d90 and an 18-70 I tried all kinds of different shots. I pretty much settled on an exposure of 1 second. That seemed to work best for me.

I drove around until I found a yard that was decorated with very colorful lights. This shot was of a small tree and some very colorful lights.

Go out and have fun. Merry Christmas.

Last time I saw this family was in April. Mom and Dad where on the nest and Junior was waiting to be born. Now Junior his about ready to head south.

This family was in a field not very far from their nesting sight. As you can see I was able to get close to them. I just walked slowly toward them. No sudden movement.

It was a ton of fun. Hope to see these guys in April on the Platte River!

Nikon d7000
Nikon 300 f4
Nikon TC 1.4

So this happened tonight. Simple shot. Light was awesome - so just find something to shoot.

Nikon d7000
Nikon 70-200 afs 2.8

This little guy was just hanging around the other night. I had to use all my proper long lens hand holding skills to get a sharp image.

I was shooting with a 300mm f4 plus a TC 1.4 - so any little movement that I did was going to be exagerated - not to mention a little big on a little piece of grass - I needed everyone to remain calm.

I like the results.

The Spiked Gayfeathers are just starting to bloom on the prairie. These flowers are spectacular and attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Nikon d7000
Nikon 70-200 2.8

I took advantage of an amazing NE sunset tonight. After looking through many images of the Big Blue Stem grasses I saw this image that appears to have a dragon fly in the background.

Sometimes cool things happen - but they don't if you don't get out there and shoot. I try to shoot everyday. It is good discipline and good for my soul.

Nikon d7000
Nikon 70-200 2.8